Dear Friend,

Last night, Palestinian-American families voiced how they were moved by Israeli-American families' stories of hostages held in Gaza, joining in their call for ceasefire and a return of all captives. When Palestinian-American leaders asked the DNC for one person to share the stage and speak about their families, they were denied. When they offered to have their speech approved beforehand, they were denied. When they asked for a fraction of the time given to Israeli-American families, they were denied. And when they offered the DNC to choose which Palestinian-American speaker they could work with, they were denied.

In response, they began a sit-in to demand a speaking opportunity for a Palestinian-American with family in Gaza.

Since the sit-in began, many leaders have joined their call in solidarity — including families of Israeli hostages, Democratic leaders, myself, and Bend the Arc’s Washington Director Rabbi Jason Kimelman-Block who joined the sit-in.

Now we’re asking you to join our call, and to echo the words of Rabbi Kimelman-Block, “There should just be room for all of us.” Not only because it’s the right thing to do, but because we need to show the Harris campaign what it’s going to take to beat Donald Trump: All of us.

Tell the DNC: Include Palestinian voices.

The Forward and Haaretz are both reporting on our Jewish movement’s message that there is room for all of us:

"As a Jewish person, and as an organization, we think there should be room for Palestinian voices at the DNC and in the party. There's a big tent in there.” — Rabbi Jason Kimelman-Block¹

As I shared in my letter to President Biden in June, we pray that the Democratic Party can regain the faith of voters and that we can work together to reintroduce the bright vision of the future required to inspire Americans in November. Right now, they can do that by hearing those Democrat delegates with the Uncommitted movement and inviting Palestinian-Americans as equals among us.

Tonight is the DNC’s final chance to make this right. Let them know how you feel. Tell the DNC: Include Palestinian voices.

Thank you for amplifying this collective demand and joining alongside all those who are marshaling the moral and spiritual courage to meet this moment.

Jamie Beran
CEO, Bend the Arc

Sources:
1. The Forward, ‘Uncommitted’ delegates start sit-in at DNC to demand Palestinian speak from the main stage
2. Haaretz, 'Uncommitted' Holds Sit-in Protest After DNC Refuses to Give Time to Palestinian-American Speaker

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